Repelling electric generator

ABSTRACT

An electric generator includes a first magnet, a second magnet, and a first electric conductor. The first magnet may include a first surface. The second magnet may include a second surface having a same polarity as the first surface of the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are oriented such the first surface of the first magnet is opposite of the second surface of the second magnet. The first electric conductor may be positioned in a space between the first surface of the first magnet and the second surface of the second magnet such that the electric generator provides an electric current as a result of a movement of the second magnet relative to the first magnet.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to electric power generation,and more specifically to an electromagnetic power generator.

2. Related Art

An electric generator converts mechanical energy into electric energy.In a conventional electric generator, an electric conductor (e.g., wirecoil) may be set in motion (e.g., rotation) with respect one or morepermanent magnets having opposite polarity. The movement of the electricconductor relative to the permanent magnets creates a variance in themagnetic flux passing through the electric conductor thereby giving riseto an electric field (i.e., electric charges) within the electricconductor.

Drawing an electric load off a conventional electric generator causes anelectric current to flow through the electric conductor and generates amagnetic field around the electric conductor. But the flow of theelectric current hinders the motion of the electric conductor relativeto the permanent magnets because the magnetic field that is generated bythe flow of the electric current opposes the permanent magnets of theelectric generator. In order to sustain the electric field and the flowof the electric current, a conventional electric generator requires anincreasing amount of mechanical energy in order to maintain the motionof the electric conductor relative to the permanent magnets.

Due to a tendency to slow and lock during operation, conventionalelectric generators are generally deployed when decelerating andstopping a moving automobile (e.g., regenerative breaking system).However, a conventional electric generator is unable to effectivelyharness energy from jolts and vibrations experienced by a movingautomobile. Such motions do not provide sufficient mechanical energy toovercome the opposing magnetic forces arising from the electricgenerator's usual operation and to prevent the electric generator fromlocking. Consequently, an abundant source of energy may be left untappedand wasted.

SUMMARY

A repelling electric generator is provided.

According to various embodiments, there is provided an electricgenerator. The electric generator may include a first magnet, a secondmagnet, and a first electric conductor.

The first magnet may include a first surface. The second magnet mayinclude a second surface having a same polarity as the first surface ofthe first magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet areoriented such the first surface of the first magnet is opposite of thesecond surface of the second magnet. The first electric conductor may bepositioned between the first surface of the first magnet and the secondsurface of the second magnet such that the electric generator providesan electric current as a result of a movement of the second magnetrelative to the first magnet.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a method forgenerating power. The method may include: providing an electric currentas a result of a movement of a second magnet relative to a first magnet,wherein: the first magnet includes a first surface; the second magnetincludes a second surface having a same polarity as the first surface ofthe first magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet areoriented such the first surface of the first magnet is opposite of thesecond surface of the second magnet; and a first electric conductor ispositioned between the first surface of the first magnet and the secondsurface of the second magnet.

According to various embodiments, there is provided an electricgenerator. The electric generator may include a first magnet, a secondmagnet, and an electric conductor.

The first magnet may include a first surface. The second magnet mayinclude a second surface having a same polarity as the first surface ofthe first magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet areoriented such the first surface of the first magnet is opposite of thesecond surface of the second magnet. The electric conductor may bepositioned in a space between the first surface of the first magnet andthe second surface of the second magnet such that the electric generatorprovides an electric current as a result of a movement of the electricconductor with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure should beapparent from the following description which illustrates by way ofexample aspects of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more apparent bydescribing example embodiments with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electric generator according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a horizontal cross section of anelectric conductor according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrates a vertical cross section of a coil according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of an electric generator according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of an electric generator according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an electric generator array according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an electric generator according tovarious embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates an electric generator according to variousembodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross section through a surface of an electricgenerator according to various embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates applications for one or more electric generatorsaccording to various embodiments; and

FIG. 9 illustrates an electric generator array according to variousembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While a number of embodiments are described herein, these embodimentsare presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of protection. The apparatuses and methods described herein may beembodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions,substitutions, and changes in the form of the example apparatuses andmethods described herein may be made without departing from the scope ofprotection.

FIG. 1 illustrates an electric generator 100 according to variousembodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the electricgenerator 100 may include a first magnet 110, a second magnet 120, andan electric conductor 130.

The first magnet 110 may have a plurality of surfaces including, forexample, but not limited to, a first surface 115. The second magnet mayalso have a plurality of surfaces including, for example, but notlimited to, a second surface 125. In various embodiments, the firstsurface 115 and the second surface 125 may be substantially planar. Insome embodiments, the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120 may besheet magnets. Although the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120are shown as rectangular sheet magnets, a person having ordinary skillin the art can appreciate that the first magnet 110 and/or the secondmagnet 120 may have a different shape and/or contours without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, a person havingordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the first magnet 110and/or the second magnet 120 may include an array of more than onemagnet without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the first magnet 110 may be substantiallyparallel to the second magnet 120. As such, the first surface 115 of thefirst magnet 110 may be oriented substantially parallel to the secondsurface 125 of the second magnet 120. The electric conductor 130 may bepositioned in a space between the first magnet 110 and the second magnet120. In various embodiments, the electric conductor 130 may be orientedon the horizontal plane substantially parallel to at least one of thefirst magnet 110 (i.e., the first surface 115) and the second magnet 120(i.e., the second surface 125).

In some embodiments, one of the first magnet 110 and the second magnet120 may be fixed. Accordingly, one of the first magnet 110 and thesecond magnet 120 may remain stationary with respect to the electricconductor 130. The other of the first magnet 110 and the second magnet120 may be free to move with respect to the electric conductor 130 alongone or more axes. As such, in some embodiments, the electric generator100 may be configured to provide an electric current as a result of amovement of the one of the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120that is mobile relative to the one of the first magnet 110 and thesecond magnet 120 that is fixed.

In some embodiments, both the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120may be fixed. The electric conductor 130 may be free to move withrespect to the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120 along one ormore axes. For example, in some embodiments, the electric conductor 130may be suspended using a flexible suspension mechanism (e.g., expansionsprings). As such, the electric generator 100 may be configured toprovide an electric current as a result of a movement of the electricconductor 130 relative to the first magnet 110 and the second magnet120.

The electric conductor 130 may be a wire coil. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the electric conductor 130 may be a Brooks coil.However, a person having ordinary skill in the art can appreciate thatany suitable electric conductor may be used without departing from thescope of the present inventive concept.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 100 may include a frame140. The frame 140 may be constructed from any suitable materialincluding, for example, but not limited to, aluminum (Al).

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first surface 115 of thefirst magnet 110 and the second surfaced 125 of the second magnet 120may have a same polarity. Thus, the first magnet 110 and the secondmagnet 120 may mutually repel. For example, the first surface 115 andthe second surface 125 may both be a north (or south) magnetic pole ofthe respective first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120.

Orientating the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120 such that thefirst surface 115 of the first magnet 110 has a same polarity as thesecond surface 125 of the second magnet 120 that is opposite of thefirst surface 115 of the first magnet 110 prevents the electricgenerator 100 from slowing down and locking when an electric current isdrawn from the electric conductor 130. Drawing an electric current fromthe electric generator 100 generates a magnetic field that does notoppose the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120. As such, theelectric generator 100 may continue to provide an electric currentwithout requiring an increasing amount mechanical energy to maintain themotion of the electric conductor 130 relative to the first magnet 110and the second magnet 120.

In various embodiments, the electric current that is output by theelectric generator 100 may be an alternating current (AC). As such, insome embodiments, the electric generator 100 may be coupled with one ormore bridge rectifiers (not shown) configured to convert the AC outputcurrent from the electric generator 100 to a direct current (DC) outputcurrent.

In various embodiments, the frequency of the electric current output bythe electric generator 100 may vary. For example, jolts and vibrationsmay occur sporadically and thus lead to an inconsistent outputfrequency. As such, in some embodiments, the electric generator 100 maybe coupled with one or more capacitors (e.g., inline high capacitance)(not shown) in order to level the frequency of the output current.

Although the electric generator 100 is shown to include the first magnet110, the second magnet 120, and the electric conductor 130, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the electricgenerator 100 can include additional magnets and/or electric conductorswithout departing from the scope of the present inventive concept. Forexample, in some embodiments, the electric generator 100 may include afirst plurality of magnets forming a magnet shell having athree-dimensional shape. The electric generator 100 may further includea second plurality of magnets forming a magnetic core having acorresponding three-dimensional shape. One or more electric conductors(e.g., wire coils) may be positioned in a space between the magneticshell and the magnetic core.

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a horizontal cross section an electricconductor 200 according to various embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 and2A, in various embodiments, the electric conductor 200 may implement theelectric conductor 130.

In various embodiments, the electric conductor 200 may include aplurality of coils including, for example, but not limited to, a firstcoil 210, a second coil 220, and a third coil 230. According to oneexemplary embodiment, the first coil 210, the second coil 220, and thethird coil 230 may each include a plurality of windings. The pluralityof windings may be constructed from a conductive material including, forexample, but not limited to, copper (Cu).

In various embodiments, the electric conductor 200 may further include aplurality of cores including, for example, but not limited to, a firstcore 240, a second core 250, and a third core 260. In one exemplaryembodiment, the first core 240, the second core 250, and the third core260 may be constructed from an insulating (i.e., non-conductive)material. For example, in some embodiments, the first core 240, thesecond core 250, and the third core 260 may each be constructed plastic.

In some embodiments, the plurality of windings included in each of thefirst coil 210, the second coil 220, and the third coil 230 may encirclethe first core 240, the second core 250, and the third core 260 along ahorizontal axis to form the respective first coil 210, the second coil220, and the third coil 230. As such, the plurality of windings includedin each of the first coil 210, the second coil 220, and the third coil230 may be horizontal with respect to one or more external magnets(e.g., the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120). However, aperson having ordinary skill in the art the plurality of windings mayencircle the respective first core 240, the second core 250, and thethird core 260 in a different manner (e.g., along a vertical axis)without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Advantageously, the inclusion of multiple coils (e.g., the first coil210, the second coil 220, and the third coil 230) maximizes an amount ofcurrent output by an electric generator (e.g., the electric generator100) that includes the electric conductor 200. In one exemplaryembodiment, the number of coils (and corresponding cores) included inthe electric conductor 200 may be maximized with respect to a dimensionsof the magnets (e.g., the first magnet 110 and the second magnet 120)surrounding the electric conductor 200.

As shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, each of the first coil 210,the first core 240, the second coil 220, the second core 250, the thirdcoil 230, and the third core 260 may be substantially circular (i.e., ata respective horizontal cross section). However, a person havingordinary skill in the art can appreciate that each of the first coil210, the first core 240, the second coil 220, the second core 250, thethird coil 230, and the third core 260 may have a different shape (e.g.,equilateral polygon) without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the first coil 210, the firstcore 240, the second coil 220, the second core 250, the third coil 230,and the third core 260 may be positioned in a nested configuration. Invarious embodiments, the first coil 210, the first core 240, the secondcoil 220, the second core 250, the third coil 230, and the third core260 may be positioned with air gaps between each successive coil andcore. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, a first air gap 215 may bepresent between the first core 240 and the second coil 220 and a secondair gap 225 may be present between the second core 250 and the thirdcoil 230.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the third coil 230 and the third core 260 may haverelatively smaller dimensions (e.g., diameters) than the second coil 220and the second core 250. As such, the third coil 230 and the third core260 may be positioned concentrically within the second coil 220 and thesecond core 250. The second coil 220 and the second core 250 may haverelatively smaller dimensions (e.g., diameters) than the first coil 210and the first core 240. Thus, the second coil 220 and the second core250 may be positioned concentrically within the first coil 210 and thefirst core 240. A person having ordinary skill in the art can appreciatethat the first coil 210, the first core 240, the second coil 220, thesecond core 250, the third coil 230, and the third core 260 may bepositioned in a different configuration without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the first coil 210, the first coil 210, thefirst core 240, the second coil 220, the second core 250, the third coil230, and the third core 260 may be secured in an appropriateconfiguration (e.g., concentric) using one or more fasteners including,for example, but not limited to, a first fastener 272, a second fastener274, a third fastener 276, and a fourth fastener 278. In someembodiments, the first fastener 272, the second fastener 274, the thirdfastener 276, and the fourth fastener 278 may be screws. A person havingordinary skill in the art can appreciate that any appropriate fastenercan be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Furthermore, a person having ordinary skill in the art can appreciatethat a different number of fasteners may be used without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a vertical cross section of a coil 280 according tovarious embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 2A-B, in various embodiments,the coil 280 may include windings 282 (e.g., Cu) around a core 284(e.g., plastic). In various embodiments, the coil 280 may implement oneor more of the first coil 210, the second coil 220, and the third coil230.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the coil 280 may include one or more dimensionsincluding, for example, but not limited to, a mean radius a of thewindings 282, a width b of the windings 282, and a height c of thewindings 282. An inductance L of the coil 280 (e.g., as measured inhenrys (H)) may be determined based on following equation:

L=4×10⁻⁷ πaN ²((0.5+S ₁/12)ln(8/S ₁)−0.84834+0.2041S ₁)

where S₁=(c/2a)² and N is a number of turns in the windings 282.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the coil 280 may be a Brookscoil. As such, one or more dimensions of the coil 280 may be optimizedin order to maximize the inductance L of the coil 280. For example, tomaximize the inductance L of the coil 280, the mean radius a of thewindings 282 may be substantially equal to 3c/2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of an electric generator 300according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 3, the electricgenerator 300 includes a frame 310, a first magnet 320, a second magnet330, and an electric conductor 340.

In various embodiments, the first magnet 320 and the second magnet 330may be fixed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first magnet 320 andthe second magnet 330 may be held in place by the frame 310. In variousembodiments, the first magnet 320 and the second magnet 330 may beoriented such that a first surface 325 of the first magnet 320 has asame polarity as a second surface 335 of the second magnet 330 that isopposite to the first surface 325. The first magnet 320 may be orientedsubstantially parallel to the second magnet 330. As such, the firstsurface 325 of the first magnet 320 may be oriented substantiallyparallel to the second surface 335 of the second magnet 330.

In some embodiments, the first magnet 320 and the second magnet 330 maybe sheet magnets. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art canappreciate that the first magnet 320 and/or the second magnet 330 mayinclude an array of multiple magnets without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the electric conductor 340 may be positioned ina space between the first magnet 320 and the second magnet 330. Theelectric conductor 340 may be oriented substantially parallel to atleast one of the first magnet 320 (i.e., the first surface 325) and thesecond magnet 330 (i.e., the second surface 335).

In various embodiments, the electric conductor 340 may be suspendedusing a suspension mechanism 350. In one exemplary embodiment, thesuspension mechanism 350 may be a flexible suspension mechanismincluding, for example, but not limited to, one or more expansionsprings. As such, the electric conductor 340 may be free to move alongone or more axes with respect to the first magnet 320 and the secondmagnet 330.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 300 may provide anelectric current as a result of a movement of the electric conductor 340with respect to the first magnet 320 and the second magnet 330. Althoughthe electric conductor 340 is shown to be suspended from a portion ofthe frame 310 adjacent to the first magnet 320, a person having ordinaryskill in the art can appreciate that the electric conductor 340 may besuspended from a different surface within the frame 310 of the electricgenerator 300 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The movement of the electric conductor 340 with respect to the firstmagnet 320 and the second magnet 330 generates an electric field withinthe electric conductor 340. Advantageously, the first magnet 320 and thesecond magnet 330 are oriented such that the first surface 325 of thefirst magnet 320 has a same polarity as the second surface 335 of thesecond magnet 330 that is opposite of the first surface 325 of the firstmagnet 320. Thus, drawing an electric current from the electricgenerator 300 creates a magnetic field around the electric conductor 340that does not oppose the first magnet 320 and the second magnet 330. Theelectric generator 300 may continue to provide an electric currentwithout requiring an increasing amount of mechanical energy to maintainthe motion of electric conductor 340 relative to the first magnet 320and the second magnet 330.

The electric generator 300 may have a horizontal dimension x and avertical dimension y. According to one exemplary embodiment, a size ofthe electric generator 300 may be minimized in at least one dimension.For example, the vertical dimension y of the electric generator 300 maybe minimized. As such, in some embodiments, the vertical dimension y ofthe electric generator 300 may be less than the horizontal dimension xof the electric generator 300.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 300 may be coupled withone or more bridge rectifiers (not shown) configured to convert an ACoutput current from the electric generator 300 to a DC output current.In various embodiments, the electric generator 300 may also be coupledwith one or more capacitors (e.g., inline high capacitance) (not shown)in order to level the frequency of the output current.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of an electric generator 400according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 4, the electricgenerator 400 may include a frame 410, a first magnet 420, a secondmagnet 430, and an electric conductor 440.

In various embodiments, the first magnet 420 and the second magnet 430may be fixed. For example, the first magnet 420 and the second magnet430 may be held in place by the frame 410. The first magnet 420 and thesecond magnet 430 may be oriented such that a first surface 425 of thefirst magnet 420 and a second surface 435 of the second magnet 430opposite to the first surface 425 have a same polarity. The first magnet420 (i.e., the first surface 425) may be oriented to be substantiallyparallel to the second magnet 430 (i.e., the second surface 435).

In some embodiments, the first magnet 420 and the second magnet 430 maybe sheet magnets. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art canappreciate that the first magnet 420 and/or the second magnet 430 mayinclude an array of multiple magnets without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the electric conductor 440 may be suspended in aspace between the first surface 425 of the first magnet 420 and thesecond surface 435 of the second magnet 430. The electric conductor 440may be oriented to be substantially parallel to at least one of thefirst magnet 420 (i.e., the first surface 425) and the second magnet 430(i.e., the second surface 435).

The electric conductor 440 may be suspended between the first magnet 420and the second magnet 430 using the suspension mechanism 450. In oneexemplary embodiment, the suspension mechanism 450 may be a flexiblesuspension mechanism including, for example, but not limited to, one ormore expansion springs. In some embodiments, the electric conductor 440may be suspended from a side portion of the frame 410 and may be free tomove along one or more axes with respect to the first magnet 420 and thesecond magnet 430.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 400 may have a horizontaldimension x and a vertical dimension y. According to one exemplaryembodiment, a size of the electric generator 400 may be minimized in atleast one dimension. For example, the horizontal dimension x of theelectric generator 400 may be minimized. As such, in some embodiments,the horizontal dimension x of the electric generator 400 may be lessthan the vertical dimension y of the electric generator 400.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 400 may be coupled withone or more bridge rectifiers (not shown) configured to convert an ACoutput current from the electric generator 400 to a DC output current.In various embodiments, the electric generator 400 may also be coupledwith one or more capacitors (e.g., inline high capacitance) (not shown)in order to level the frequency of the output current.

FIG. 5 illustrates an electric generator array 500 according to variousembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the electric generator array 500may include a plurality of electric generators including, for example,but not limited to, a first electric generator 510, a second electricgenerator 520, a third electric generator 530, and a fourth electricgenerator 540.

In various embodiments, the size of the electric generator array 500 maybe minimized in at least one dimension. As such, in various embodiments,at least one of the first electric generator 510, the second electricgenerator 520, the third electric generator 530, and the fourth electricgenerator 540 may be implemented using the electric generator 300.Alternately or in addition, at least one of the first electric generator510, the second electric generator 520, the third electric generator530, and the fourth electric generator 540 may be implemented using theelectric generator 300.

Although the electric generator array 500 is shown to include the firstelectric generator 510, the second electric generator 520, the thirdelectric generator 530, and the fourth electric generator 540, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the electricgenerator array 500 may include a different number of electricgenerators without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Moreover, the electric generator array 500 may include a plurality ofgenerators in a different array than shown without departing from thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an electric generator 600 according tovarious embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6, in various embodiments, theelectric generator 600 may include a magnetic shell 610 that encloses amagnetic core 640.

According to one exemplary embodiment, each of the magnetic shell 610and the magnetic core 640 may be a same three-dimensional shape. Forexample, the magnetic shell 610 and the magnetic core 640 may both be aregular polyhedron. As shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, themagnetic shell 610 and the magnetic core 640 may both be a cube.

In various embodiments, the magnetic shell 610 may include a first frame615. The first frame 615 may be constructed from a suitable materialincluding, for example, but not limited to, aluminum (Al). The magneticshell 610 may include a plurality of magnets corresponding to each sideof the three-dimensional shape. In various embodiments, each of theplurality of magnets may be held in place by the first frame 615. Forexample, the magnetic shell 610 may include a first magnet 622, a secondmagnet 624, a third magnet 626, a fourth magnet 628, a fifth magnet (notshown), and a sixth magnet (not shown). The first magnet 622, the secondmagnet 624, the third magnet 626, the fourth magnet 628, the fifthmagnet (not shown), and the sixth magnet (not shown) may correspond tothe six sides of a cube.

In some embodiments, the first magnet 622, the second magnet 624, thethird magnet 626, the fourth magnet 628, the fifth magnet (not shown),and the sixth magnet (not shown) may be sheet magnets. However, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that one or more of thefirst magnet 622, the second magnet 624, the third magnet 626, thefourth magnet 628, the fifth magnet (not shown), and the sixth magnet(not shown) may include an array of multiple magnets without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, the magnetic core 640 may include a second frame645. The second frame 645 may be constructed from a suitable materialincluding, for example, but not limited to, aluminum (Al). The magneticcore 640 may include a plurality of magnets corresponding to each sideof the three-dimensional shape. For example, the magnetic core 640 mayinclude a seventh magnet 652, an eighth magnet 654, a ninth magnet 656,a tenth magnet 658, an eleventh magnet 660, and a twelfth magnet (notshown). The seventh magnet 652, the eighth magnet 654, the ninth magnet656, the tenth magnet 658, the eleventh magnet 660, and the twelfthmagnet (not shown) may correspond to the six sides of a cube.

In some embodiments, the seventh magnet 652, the eighth magnet 654, theninth magnet 656, the tenth magnet 658, the eleventh magnet 660, and thetwelfth magnet (not shown) may be sheet magnets. However, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that one or more ofseventh magnet 652, the eighth magnet 654, the ninth magnet 656, thetenth magnet 658, the eleventh magnet 660, and the twelfth magnet (notshown) may include an array of multiple magnets without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure.

According to one exemplary embodiment, surfaces of the magnets orientedtowards the interior of the magnetic shell 610 are oriented to repel thesurfaces of the magnets oriented towards the exterior of the magneticcore 640. For example, in various embodiments, a surface of the firstmagnet 622 oriented towards the interior of the magnetic shell 610 andfacing the magnetic core 640 may have a same polarity as a surface ofthe seventh magnet 652 oriented towards the exterior of the magneticcore 640. As such, the magnetic core 640 may be suspended within themagnetic shell 610 and free to move along one or more axes as a resultof the repulsion between the magnetic shell 610 and the magnetic core640.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 600 may include aplurality of electric conductors including, for example, but not limitedto, a first electric conductor 632, a second electric conductor 634, athird electric conductor 636, a fourth electric conductor 638, a fifthelectric conductor (not shown), and a sixth electric conductor (notshown). One or more of the first electric conductor 632, the secondelectric conductor 634, the third electric conductor 636, the fourthelectric conductor 638, the fifth electric conductor (not shown), andthe sixth electric conductor (not shown) may be a wire coil (e.g., thecoil 280).

Each of the first electric conductor 632, the second electric conductor634, the third electric conductor 636, the fourth electric conductor638, the fifth electric conductor (not shown), and the sixth electricconductor (not shown) may be positioned in a space between correspondingmagnets of the magnetic shell 610 and magnetic core 640. For example,the first electric conductor 632 may be positioned between a spacebetween the first magnet 622 of the magnetic shell 610 and the seventhmagnet 652 of the magnetic core 640.

In various embodiments, the first electric conductor 632, the secondelectric conductor 634, the third electric conductor 636, the fourthelectric conductor 638, the fifth electric conductor (not shown), andthe sixth electric conductor (not shown) may be secured to the firstframe 615 of the magnetic shell 610. As such, the first electricconductor 632, the second electric conductor 634, the third electricconductor 636, the fourth electric conductor 638, the fifth electricconductor (not shown), and the sixth electric conductor (not shown) mayremain stationary with respect to the magnetic shell 610.

Alternately, in some embodiments, one or more of the first electricconductor 632, the second electric conductor 634, the third electricconductor 636, the fourth electric conductor 638, the fifth electricconductor (not shown), and the sixth electric conductor (not shown) maybe suspended using any suitable suspension mechanism (e.g., one or moreexpansion springs). Thus, a person having ordinary skill in the art canappreciate that one or more of the first electric conductor 632, thesecond electric conductor 634, the third electric conductor 636, thefourth electric conductor 638, the fifth electric conductor (not shown),and the sixth electric conductor (not shown) may remain free to movealong one or more axes with respect to magnetic shell 610 and themagnetic core 640 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 600 may provide anelectric current as a result of a movement of the magnetic core 640 withrespect to the magnetic shell 610, the first electric conductor 632, thesecond electric conductor 634, the third electric conductor 636, thefourth electric conductor 638, the fifth electric conductor (not shown),and the sixth electric conductor (not shown). For example, the magneticcore 640 may move along one or more axes when the electric generator 600is subject to jolts and/or vibrations.

Drawing an electric current from the electric generator 600 may giverise to a magnetic field in each of the first electric conductor 632,the second electric conductor 634, the third electric conductor 636, thefourth electric conductor 638, the fifth electric conductor (not shown),and the sixth electric conductor (not shown). The surfaces of themagnets oriented toward the interior of the magnetic shell 610 have asame polarity as the surfaces of the magnets oriented towards theexterior of the magnetic core 640. As such, the magnetic fields arisingfrom the flow of currents through the electric conductors do not opposethe magnets that are included in the magnetic shell 610 and in themagnetic core 640. Advantageously, the magnetic core 640 may remain freeto move along one or more axes (e.g., as a result of jolts and/orvibrations) when an electric current is drawn from the electricgenerator 600.

Although the electric generator 600 is shown to be a cube, a personhaving ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that the electricgenerator 600 can be a different shape (e.g., another regularpolyhedron) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates an electric generator 700 according to variousembodiments. Referring to FIG. 7A, in various embodiments, the electricgenerator 700 may include a magnetic shell 710 that is in a shape of atruncated icosahedron having a plurality of (i.e., thirty-two) magneticsurfaces including, for example, but not limited to, a surface 720. Eachof the magnetic surfaces of the magnetic shell 710 (e.g., the surface720) may include a magnet (e.g., sheet magnet) or an array of magnets.The magnetic shell 710 may include a frame (e.g., aluminum (Al)) adaptedto hold the magnets and/or array of magnets in the shape of thetruncated icosahedron.

The electric generator 700 may further include a magnetic core (notshown). According to one exemplary embodiment, the magnetic core (notshown) may also be in a shape of a truncated icosahedron having aplurality of (i.e., thirty-two) magnetic surfaces. Each of the magneticsurfaces of the magnetic core (not shown) may include a magnet (e.g.,sheet magnet) or an array of magnets. The magnetic shell (not shown) mayinclude a frame adapted to hold the magnets and/or array of magnets inthe shape of a truncated icosahedron.

The electric generator 700 may include a plurality of electricconductors (not shown). For example, in various embodiments, theelectric generator 700 may include a plurality of wire coils (e.g.,Brooks coil). The plurality of electric conductors (not shown) may bepositioned in a space between the magnetic shell 710 and the magneticcore (not shown). For example, in various embodiments, an electricconductor may be positioned in a space between each magnetic of themagnetic shell 710 and a corresponding magnet of the magnetic core (notshown).

In various embodiments, the surfaces of magnets oriented towards theinterior of the magnetic shell 710 may have a same polarity as thesurfaces of magnets oriented towards the exterior of the magnetic core(not shown). As such, the magnetic core (not shown) may be suspendedwithin the magnetic shell 710 and free to move along one or more axes asa result of the repulsion between the magnetic shell 710 and themagnetic core (not shown).

In various embodiments, the electric generator 700 may provide anelectric current as a result of a movement of the magnetic core (notshown) with respect to the magnetic shell 710. For example, the magneticcore (not shown) may move along one or more axes when the electricgenerator 700 is subject to jolts and/or vibrations.

Drawing an electric current from the electric generator 700 may giverise to a magnetic field in each of the plurality of electric conductors(not shown). The surfaces of the magnets oriented toward the interior ofthe magnetic shell 710 have a same polarity as the surfaces of themagnets oriented towards the exterior of the magnetic core (not shown).As such, the magnetic fields arising from the flow of currents throughthe electric conductors do not oppose the magnets that are included inthe magnetic shell 710 and in the magnetic core (not shown).Advantageously, the magnetic core (not shown) may remain free to movealong one or more axes (e.g., as a result of jolts and/or vibrations)when an electric current is drawn from the electric generator 700.

Although the electric generator 700 is shown to be a truncatedicosahedron, a person having ordinary skill in the art can appreciatethat the electric generator 700 can be a different shape (e.g., anotherregular polyhedron) without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross section through the surface 720 of theelectric generator 700 according to various embodiments. Referring toFIG. 7B, through the surface 720, the electric generator 700 may includea first magnet 730, a second magnet 740, and an electric conductor 750.

In various embodiments, the first magnet 730 may be part of the magneticshell 710 of the electric generator 700. The first magnet 730 may beheld in place by a first frame 760 of the magnetic shell 710. Forexample, the first frame 760 may be adapted to hold a plurality ofmagnets including the first magnet 730 in a shape of a truncatedicosahedron.

In various embodiments, the second magnet 740 may be part of themagnetic core and may be held in place by a second frame 770 of themagnetic core. For example, the second frame 770 may be adapted to holda plurality of magnets including the second magnet 740 in a shape of atruncated icosahedron.

In various embodiments, the electric conductor 750 may be positioned ina space between the first magnet 730 and the second magnet 740. Theelectric conductor 750 may include one or more wire coils. In oneexemplary embodiment, the electric conductor 750 may include one or moreBrooks coils.

In some embodiments, the electric conductor 750 may be secured to thefirst frame 760 of the magnetic shell 710 using one or more fastenersincluding, for example, but not limited to, a first fastener 782 and asecond fastener 784. As such, the electric conductor 750 may be fixedand remain stationary with respect to the first magnet 730 of themagnetic shell 710. Alternately, the electric conductor 750 may besuspended (e.g., from the first frame 760 of the magnetic shell 710)using a suspension mechanism (e.g., one or more expansion springs) andremain free to move along one or more axes with respect to the firstmagnet 730 of the magnetic shell 710 and the second magnet 740 of themagnetic core.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the surfaces of magnets orientedtowards the interior of the magnetic shell 710 may have a same polarityas the surfaces of magnets oriented towards the exterior of the magneticcore. As shown in FIG. 7B, a first surface 735 of the first magnet 730of the magnetic shell 710 may have a same polarity as a second surface745 of the second magnet 740 of the magnetic core. The magnetic core maybe suspended within the magnetic shell 710 and free to move along one ormore axes as a result of the repulsion between the magnetic shell 710and the magnetic core including, for example, but not limited to, arepulsion between the first magnet 730 and the second magnet 740.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 700 may provide anelectric current as a result of a movement of the magnetic core (notshown) with respect to the magnetic shell 710. For example, the secondmagnet 740 of the magnetic core may move along one or more axes withrespect to the first magnet 730 of the magnetic shell 710 when theelectric generator 700 is subject to jolts and/or vibrations.

Drawing an electric current from the electric generator 700 may giverise to a magnetic field in each of the plurality of electric conductorsincluding, for example, but not limited to, the electric conductor 750.The first surface 735 of the first magnet 730 have a same polarity asthe second surface 745 of the second magnet 740 that is opposite of thefirst surface 735. As such, the magnetic field arising from the flow ofcurrent through the electric conductor 750 does not oppose the firstmagnet 730 of the magnetic shell 710 and the second magnet 740 of themagnetic core. Advantageously, the second magnet 740 of the magneticcore may remain free to move along one or more axes (e.g., as a resultof jolts and/or vibrations) when an electric current is drawn from theelectric generator 700.

FIG. 8 illustrates applications for one or more electric generatorsaccording to various embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1-8, in variousembodiments, one or more electric generators may be adapted forinstallation in an automobile 810.

In various embodiments, the electric generator 700 may be adapted forinstallation at or near a suspension system of the automobile 810. Asshown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the electric generator 700 may beenclosed in a case 820. According to one exemplary embodiment, the case820 may provide stability to the electric generator 700.

Alternately or in addition, the electric generator array 500 may beadapted for installation on the automobile 810. For example, in someembodiments, the electric generator array 500 may be installed insidethe door panels and near the wheelbase of the automobile 810. In variousembodiments, the electric generator array 500 may include one or more ofthe electric generator 300 having a minimized vertical dimension and theelectric generator 400 having a minimized horizontal dimension.

FIG. 9 illustrates an electric generator array 900 according to variousembodiments. Referring to FIGS. 6, 7A-B, and 9, the electric generatorarray 900 may include a plurality of electric generators including, forexample, but not limited to, an electric generator 910. In variousembodiments, the electric generator 910 may be implemented using theelectric generator 600 or the electric generator 700.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the electric generator 910 may beadapted to be buoyant. For example, in some embodiments, the electricgenerator array 900 may be deployed in a body of water and the electricgenerator 910 may be adapted to provide an electric current when subjectto movements in the water. As such, the electric generator 910 may becoupled a flotation device 920 (e.g., buoy) allowing the electricgenerator 910 to float in one or more mediums including, for example,but not limited to, water. In some embodiments, the electric generator910 may be further coupled with a weight 930 and an anchor 940 using acable 950.

A person having ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that theelectric generator 910 may be adapted to be buoyant using a differentmechanism (e.g., balloon) and/or float in a different medium (e.g., air)without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure provides certain example embodiments andapplications, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art, including embodiments which do not provide all of thefeatures and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope ofthis disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure isintended to be defined only by reference to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric generator, comprising: a first magnetthat includes a first surface; a second magnet that includes a secondsurface having a same polarity as the first surface of the first magnet,wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are oriented such thefirst surface of the first magnet is opposite of the second surface ofthe second magnet; and a first electric conductor positioned in a spacebetween the first surface of the first magnet and the second surface ofthe second magnet such that the electric generator provides an electriccurrent as a result of a movement of the second magnet relative to thefirst magnet.
 2. The electric generator of claim 1, further comprising athird magnet including a third surface and aligned with the first magnetto form at least a portion of a magnetic shell.
 3. The electricgenerator of claim 2, wherein the first electric conductor is secured toa frame of the magnetic shell.
 4. The electric generator of claim 3,wherein the first electric conductor is secured to the frame of themagnetic shell using a suspension mechanism and is free to move alongone or more axes with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet.5. The electric generator of claim 2, further comprising a fourth magnetincluding a fourth surface and aligned with the second magnet to form atleast a portion of a magnetic core.
 6. The electric generator of claim5, wherein the third surface of the third magnet has a same polarity asthe fourth surface of the fourth magnet, and wherein the third magnetand the fourth magnet are oriented such that the third surface of thethird magnet is opposite of the fourth surface of the fourth magnet. 7.The electric generator of claim 5, further comprising a second electricconductor positioned between the third magnet and the fourth magnet suchthat the electric generator provides the electric current further as aresult of a movement of the fourth magnet relative to the third magnet.8. The electric generator of claim 5, wherein the magnetic core issuspended within the magnetic shell as a result of at least a repulsionbetween the first surface of the first magnet and the second surface ofthe second magnet, and a repulsion between the and the third surface ofthe third magnet and the fourth surface of the fourth magnet.
 9. Theelectric generator of claim 5, wherein the electric generator providesthe electric current further as a result of a movement of the magneticcore relative to the magnetic shell.
 10. The electric generator of claim5, wherein the magnetic shell and the magnetic core each comprises athree dimensional shape.
 11. The electric generator of claim 9, whereinthe three-dimensional shape comprises a regular polyhedron.
 12. Theelectric generator of claim 9, wherein the three-dimensional shapecomprises an icosahedron.
 13. The electric generator of claim 1, whereinthe first electric conductor comprises a first wire coil.
 14. Theelectric generator of claim 13, wherein the first electric conductorfurther comprises a second wire coil nested inside the first wire coil.15. The electric generator of claim 14, wherein at least one of thefirst wire coil and the second wire coil comprises a Brooks coil.
 16. Amethod for generating power, comprising: providing an electric currentas a result of a movement of a second magnet relative to a first magnet,wherein: the first magnet that includes a first surface; the secondmagnet that includes a second surface having a same polarity as thefirst surface of the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and thesecond magnet are oriented such the first surface of the first magnet isopposite of the second surface of the second magnet; and a firstelectric conductor is positioned between the first surface of the firstmagnet and the second surface of the second magnet.
 17. An electricgenerator, comprising: a first magnet that includes a first surface; asecond magnet that includes a second surface having a same polarity asthe first surface of the first magnet, wherein the first magnet and thesecond magnet are oriented such the first surface of the first magnet isopposite of the second surface of the second magnet; and an electricconductor positioned in a space between the first surface of the firstmagnet and the second surface of the second magnet such that theelectric generator provides an electric current as a result of amovement of the electric conductor with respect to the first magnet andthe second magnet.
 18. The electric generator of claim 17, wherein theelectric conductor is suspended using a suspension mechanism and is freeto move along one or more axes with respect to the first magnet and thesecond magnet.
 19. The electric generator of claim 17, wherein theelectric conductor comprises a first wire coil and a second wire coil,and wherein the second wire coil is nested inside the first wire coil.20. The electric generator of claim 19, wherein at least one of thefirst wire coil and the second wire coil comprises a Brooks coil.